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Interview with Stigma - Vlad

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Infernal Masquerade: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions and let’s get started:

Vlad: Thanks man! I'm Vlad, lead singer in STIGMA

I.M: The band started in 2000, with what mission in mind did this group of individuals got together? What main influences did you guys started with?

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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Avantasia – The Wicked Symphony (2010)

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After the lackluster “Scarecrow” we finally get the real Avantasia back with “The Wicked Symphony”, one of the two albums released by Tobias Sammet super band. As you all know the band features legendary drummer Eric Singer alongside Sascha Paeth on guitars, and Michael Rodenberg on Keyboards.

Aside the super band behind Avantasia we have an impressive amounts of guest musicians and vocalists such as Michael Kiske, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and André Matos just to mention a few. The music in “The Wicked Symphony” is closer to “The Metal Opera” than to “Scarecrow”, making this release a brilliant example of what can Symphonic Power Metal should sound like.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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Avantasia – Angel Of Babylon (2010)

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Being the second release of Avantasia this 2010 (by one day of separation) “Angel Of Babylon” is much less bombastic and impressive than “The Wicked Symphony”, putting this release closer to “Scarecrow” because of it’s bigger hard rock influences. All the core musicians remain the same as on “The Wicked Symphony”, and the guest musicians/vocalists list is much shorter and a bit different than for the previously mentioned album.

The first thing that came to our minds was that it was a great move that Avantasia left all these ‘weaker’ tracks in a separate release instead of putting a dent into the greatness of “The Wicked Symphony”. Having a greater Rock influence in these songs, the band looses a bit of its sonic power and goes slower than the first release, but this does not mean that the songs are bad at all; they are just ‘slower’.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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The Ocean – Heliocentric (2010)

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As one of the most complex and intricate albums we have received in 2010, “Heliocentric” is an interesting release that will keep you guessing what’s next until the album comes to an end. The band does a great job at mixing Post Rock influences with Progressive elements.

Compared to their previous release “Precambrian”, “Heliocentric” is less complex and shows how the band is consolidating on a sound and sticking to it. This new release does have moments when they use cello, trumpets and other things, but it’s never abused and just complements the music very nicely.

  • Posted By: Dark Emperor
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Bison B.C. – Dark Ages (2010)

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Opening with the interesting titled song “Stressed Elephant”, Bison B.C is back with a gloomier sound and a more complex songwriting style that will surely propel this band into Stoner Metal excellence. “Dark Ages” is both more complex and interesting sounding than “Quiet Earth”, the band’s first album back in 2008.

As a very young band, Bison B.C have managed to get enough buzz around them to get signed by Metal Blade Records, and make an instant impact in the crowded Stoner Metal/Rock scene. Hailing from Canada, the band uses a relentless assault of crunchy riffs through “Dark Ages” that will please even the pickiest followers of the genre.

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